A slam dunk

The Tuscaloosa Police Department's first summer basketball camp for kids has been so popular, organizers are already thinking about expanding it next year.

More than 100 kids between 8 and 18 have attended the daily camp that began Monday and ends with an awards ceremony Friday.

All of the coaches are Tuscaloosa police officers.

"So much is going on in the world with police and communities," said TPD Sgt. Sebo Sanders. "We want to show them 'Hey, you can talk to police officers, police officers are normal, just like any other citizen.' "

Participants have learned fundamentals, conditioning and have played scrimmage games. Sanders said he's seen the campers improve as the week has gone on.

Some of the kids started out the week shy, or with "an attitude," he said, but by Wednesday had opened up and begun to work as a team.

"Some had never picked up a basketball, and are now doing great," Sanders said. "Some that have, have advanced to the next level."

The kids have learned dribbling, passing and free throws. They'll participate in a skills and free throw challenge Thursday.

Speakers during the lunch break include officers, school board member Matthew Wilson, NAACP president Jerry Carter, state Rep. John England, Tuscaloosa County District Attorney Hays Webb and their favorite, heavyweight boxing champ Deontay Wilder.

"He was saying 'If somebody says you can't do something, you look them in the eye and say 'Watch me,' " said participant Anna Eastep. "That really got to me."

Eastep, 11, played on a basketball team two years ago, but quit when she hurt her ankle. She brushed back up on her skills this week, including how to use her knees and perfect her stance when she takes a shot.

Donors including Archibald & Woodrows BBQ and Walmart have donated lunch and equipment.

"We've had a lot of good response," Sanders said. "So much that we'll probably have to expand it next year."